Nasty prank everyone should be aware of...

13 years ago

Don't want to be a fear monger or spread negative news, and I am ambivalent about posting this because of that.

This was in my e-mail this morning, and it seems to be a prank that is catching on in various parts of the country. Don't want to make anyone nervous, just alert and aware!

It would be tragic if one of y'all picked up a soda bottle from your lawn and fell victim to this stunt. I just want you all to be cautious!

From our Neighborhood Watch Coordinator: Warning BOTTLE BOMB in your yard !!

Kids are putting Draino, tin foil, and a little water in soda bottles and capping it up - leaving it on lawns. When you go to pick up the trash, and the bottle is shaken just a little - in about 30 seconds or less it builds up a gas and explodes with enough force to remove some of your extremities. The liquid that comes out is boiling hot as well.

Don't pick up any plastic bottles that may be lying in your yards or in the gutter, etc. Pay attention to this. A plastic bottle with a cap. A little Drano. A little water. A small piece of foil. Disturb it by moving it; and BOOM!! No fingers left and other serious effects to your face, eyes, etc.

People are finding these "bombs" in mailboxes and in their yards, just waiting for you to pick it up intending to put it in the trash. But, you'll never make it!!! It takes about 30 seconds to blow after you move the thing.

See "SNOPES" below. The video at SNOPES shows the Indiana State Police Bomb Squad detonating one -- it's truly horrifying! I checked "Truth or Fiction" and "they" agree this is TRUTH!!! So be warned and beware.

http://www.snopes.com/crime/warnings/bottlebomb.asp

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Comments (10)

Ideefixe
13 years ago
So where are these bombs?
stinky-gardener
Original Author
13 years ago
Ideefixe, I live in Virginia Beach, and I don't know if my Neighborhood Watch person was notified about this from within our neighborhood, or another/others in the city. I watched the linked video, and the states of Indiana and Mass. are mentioned. That's why I thought it might be broad enough a concern to post about it.
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natal
13 years ago
Similar thing happened in a small town near here last fall. I think there they were using water and dry ice in soda bottles placed in mailboxes.
judiegal6
13 years ago
Yes, I'm in MA and it has been on the news around here.
flyingflower
13 years ago
I saw this warning last year and had forgotten about it. Good reminder. Wondering what kind of punishment is given to a anyone who would do such a monstrous act I searched the internet and found this article. After building what is effectively a stick of dynamite all they were given was community service! What does a person have to do to get serious punishment around here, blow someone's head off?

Here is a link that might be useful: bottle bomb
HIWTHI
13 years ago
Thanks for the head's up, I had not heard about this, but will send the information around to my friends and family.

FF the only crimes that are treated as serious anymore are only those viewed as hate crimes. Like this crime should be considered "a love crime."
barb5
13 years ago
"FF the only crimes that are treated as serious anymore are only those viewed as hate crimes"

?????

The USA has the highest incarceration rate of any country, including Russia and China. We incarcerate people for more crimes and for longer times than any other developed country. We incarcerate African Americans, especially young males, at a staggering rate.

We have a forum friend who posts frequently. Her DS is in jail serving time for what most of us would consider a petty nuisance.

IIf you think for a minute that minorities such as African Americans or LBGT peoples enjoy favored status from our judicial system, I suggest you walk a mile in their shoes.
stinky-gardener
Original Author
13 years ago
All good points, Barb. Flyingflower also makes a good point that is in sync with yours from the standpoint that justice is not always served.

I hear Flyingflower saying that people who deserve harsh punishment are often treated leniently, and I hear Barb saying that people who deserve a slap on the wrist or perhaps even less, are often punished harshly.

Unfortunately, I think both scenarios occur frequently. There is a lot of unfairness in the world.
Happyladi
13 years ago
So are we just supposed to let a soda bottle just sit there forever?

I probably pick up a couple of soda bottles a week from my street. How can I tell if one of them is a bomb?
stinky-gardener
Original Author
13 years ago
I hear you, happyladi! I guess since I got this e-mail from now on if I see a soda bottle on my lawn or driveway, I will call the police, lol!

However, if the cap is off we know it's fine, and if there is no liquid in it, it's fine. Just keep an eye out for "suspicious" looking soda bottles I guess!

The trouble makers would be filled with liquid, cap on.

Nasty prank everyone should be aware of...

Comments (10)

Ideefixe

stinky-gardener
Original Author

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Nasty prank everyone should be aware of...

Comments (10)

Ideefixe

stinky-gardenerOriginal Author

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natal

judiegal6

flyingflower

HIWTHI

barb5

stinky-gardenerOriginal Author

Happyladi

stinky-gardenerOriginal Author

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stinky-gardener
Original Author

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